[LostBeachBum]

!!STOP PAYING ATM FEES!!

Something I read on the OB made me think of this and I realized that I've never shared this info with this group. First off, I avoid many trips to the ATM by bringing a decent amount of cash for a multi-month trip, when I need more I use my Charles Schwab ATM card (VISA). Iâ€ve been using this card for more than a year and it has been incredible. So far I used it in the US, Mexico, Canada and Jamaica and have not payed 1 penny in fees.

http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/...nding/checking

ABSOLUTELY ZERO ATM FEES charged by Charles Schwab and they reimburse 100% of any charges made by the bank of the ATM you use anywhere in the world. This includes transaction fees, conversion fees, surcharges, just because fees, etc. ZERO! The only small catch is you have to open a Brokerage Account with them also, but there is no minimum balance and no annual fees. I've never used that account and keep everything in my checking. I actually earn a higher interest with this checking account than I do with a BOA savings...
Check it out. This is my main card for my upcoming RWT. Sorry, US citizens only.

[jajewel]

Thanks for the info. LBB....will look into it!

[suzengrace]

Thanks LBB for the info..You know I was going to start a thread about how you travel in Jam with re: to money..Always kind of dicey-with power outages, no $$$ in atm dealing with traveler checks...and God forbid you lose or get theifed youR card.. hope others can shine some light on this..Now that am out more in the country its a bigger concern..

BTW: thanks for the offering of the ride..I dont do motorcycles anywhere right now..Still dealing with a nasty (should have died) accident in Sheffield on the back of a bike..So am still a little shell shocked as they say..But you never know...If anything hope to meet up with you and other folks in Negril on the 11/19..

Hoping Ms Jewel will want to come out to Negril during that time-Hey girl you know I help with gas and etc...

[macyoder]

John, thanks for sharing this information. We paid $5 for Wellsfargo ATM transaction fee in Europe this summer.

In Jamaica half, now 3/4 of my time is at a resort and prepaid. The rest, I send money in advance to buy the gas for the stove, water to fill tank, electric for the light, tires for the car that will pick me up, paint for house, and food. I don't use a ATM card because there is no money left to draw on...lol!

[Tim]

Well unless you are going for the weekend, I don't see why anyone would carry that much cash on them while travelling anywhere these days.

I'm with Wit. I opened a Scotiabank account for the sole purpose of using the no fees debit card. I can take out what I need for a few days as often as I like for free. There was also a Scotiabank in Placencia, Belize which made it very convenient as well.

For next months trip to Cuba we will be bringing cash but won't need alot as we are staying A/I.

[Lola]

The only small catch is you have to open a Brokerage Account with them also, but there is no minimum balance and no annual fees.

LBB, the link you provided errr, actually this one states there is $1,000 minimum
http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/investing/accounts_products/accounts

[LostBeachBum]

Sorry for that everyone, not sure how I posted the wrong link... Thank you Suz for posting the correct one. If you read the fine print, you will see there is no fees when setting up the dual accounts. I've had this open for more than a year and there's never been any money in the brokerage account. The great thing about this card isn't just for travel. I enjoy the convenience of being able to go to any ATM at home without paying fees. Otherwise I have to look for a BOA or Royal Farms, no fun on road trips.

[LostBeachBum]

The only time I ever put any money in the brokerage account was the day I opened them both. I did it because this was the fastest way to fund the checking account and I was in a hurry to get the card. You can walk into any CS branch with a cashiers check made out to yourself and fund the brokerage account. Then do an instant transfer between the two. After that, just setup a Money Link account to transfer funds from an outside bank. Very easy and without fees. This last year by far has been my most painless year in banking...